Best British School?

I agree with simonsmithy, DC will take your money to get teh registration fee! My son is at Sherborne and enjoying it there

An English grammar school would likely be better for teaching and on a par or worse for facilities and resources.

Generally speaking, true private schools in Doha are not comparable to the better English public and private schools. Even DESS and Doha College, which follow the National Curriculum of England and Wales, compare themselves primarily to state schools in England (albeit very favorably). The American school, which is amongst the most expensive and best resourced, is comparable to one the high-end state schools in a prosperous American suburb.

Charlene, thanks for the info..its a relief to know that your kids are loving the school. Which year are they in? How are the facilities in the school..are they comparable to the state schools in the UK? Any comparision with Grammar schools? Hw are the teachers?

Would be a great help if you could give an insight!

We have recently moved to Doha from Scotland and both my children have started at Compass International School. They were originally at a state school in Scotland so I really can't compare private schools but both kids have settled in very well and love it there. I know its early days but the school and the students have been so welcoming to my children.

Hi, my daughter has been offered a place at Compass International School. We have not accepted the job offer as yet...concerned abt the quality of education, school n teachers etc... She would be getting into year 7. Can anyone pleaseeee help....very confused. Currently she studies in a state school and has appeared for a few grammar schools n has successfully cleared them to b considered for admission...is it worth moving?

Hi, my daughter has been offered a place at Compass International School. We have not accepted the job offer as yet...concerned abt the quality of education, school n teachers etc... Can anyone pleaseeee help....very confused. Currently she studies in a state school and has appeared for a few grammar schools n has successfully cleared them to b considered for admission...is it worth moving?

They take money for the inscription on a waiting list??? Unbelievable! Good to know! Easy business! Just crazy!

ANy school you can get it good - there are many people going home 'cos they can't get school places. A friend of mine spent 5 years on the DC waiting list ( for primary) with a kid with a Mensa certificate - and was told he was not even good enough to be shortlisted !

DC encourage everyone to apply - in order to accept their registration money - then priotitise british passport holders !

Thanks for your answer. My daughter is 2 years and 3 months old today and I was thinking about DESS for the next school year. If I am not mistaken, the subscriptions start in January, right? Do they do open doors? It is not vital for me as she will get a place in a French school any time. But in her age she is tri-lingual and I don't want to lose the advantage that can serve during all her life...

To me , as long as they accept your application then you have a chance. The last time they did not even allowed us to fill in the apps form just because we don't have British pp.

Samandmick,

There is no harm in applying to DC, but please bear in mind that there are very academic selective school. So if your child does not meet there entrance criteria then it will be very difficult.

Good Luck with your choice.

Isolda,

To be honest it will be very difficult if the child does not have a British Passport, as British Passport are given preference. But there is no harm in trying, it has to be one of the best established school with English and Wales Curriculum in Qatar.

I wonder if it is difficult to get a place for a child of 3 yo in DESS? I know that a waiting list is long for the school but is it the same for the kindergarten? We are NOT British passport holders but coming from the UK. I'd like my daughter to continue to follow the British curriculum.

I have had no problem with bullying!!! first I've heard of it!!!

Many thanks for your responses, can anyone confirm that DC has a bullying problem and management please? I thought this had been stopped.

brightlight is a troll who gets banned once a week and then reincarnates himself. He's posting on all sorts of threads in attempt to stir and get attention.

Yes, the waiting lists can be longer than a year at the best schools, and DESS and Doha College are notorious for that. Doha British is typically an overflow for these two schools, but the waiting list is still substantial. Find out the application dates for all three, and put your name in on the first day for the best chance.

There are bullies everywhere. Would say both school are equally reputable. Problem is for you to get a place there at the 1st place. Waiting list are along and it only gets longer. Suggest you to register for both & pray for a response. By the way, which school are your kids currently in ?

Ignore him.

Has he got kids in these schools? No - he lives on QL and the info that is given here by people who know *uck all.

Doha College has a massive problem with bullying and the Managers.

Doha British School - far better :-)

Doha College hands down. It's more established, non-profit, better resourced, and has the sponsorship of the British Embassy for the secondary school.

If your children are in primary school, Doha College is a good option, but by general consensus DESS is the best (even more established, is solely for primary, and has the sponsorship of the British Embassy).

Doha British is acceptable, but, ultimately like so many other schools, it is less well established and is a business, which means that profitability for the owners is important; unlike DC and DESS, who have all the tuition and fees going back into the school.